September 2010 – Four more rug design companies have recently signed up to GoodWeave, which works to end exploitative child labour in the rug industry of South Asia. Bazaar Velvet, Deirdre Dyson, L E Design, and Rug Maker are the latest companies to source and sell rugs bearing the GoodWeave label, bringing the total number of GoodWeave licensees and retail partners to 26, in the UK. They join other prestigious design companies including The Rug Company, Rimo and Knots Rugs.

As GoodWeave licensees, these companies commission and import from weavers and manufacturers in Nepal or India, which operate a strictly monitored and independent no child labour policy; they also make a valuable financial contribution to the education and financial support of rescued children and children at risk. GoodWeave is also involved in broader ethical issues including adult worker health education and environmental projects.

The new GoodWeave licensees are:
Bazaar Velvet has a showroom in the King's Road, London and specialises in hand-knotted rugs, traditionally made in wool and silk.

Deirdre Dyson Contemporary Handmade Carpets offers a stunning selection of designs from a palette choice of over 2,000 colours in combinations of pure wool and luxurious silk.

L E Design is a contemporary rug design studio based in Glasgow. Designer Liz Eeuwes creates bespoke, limited edition, hand knotted rugs made in Nepal, from 100% New Zealand wool; L E Design is committed to using fair labour practices and through GoodWeave certification provides ethically made rugs of the finest quality.

Rug Maker designs and manufactures hand woven silk and wool rugs and has just launched the Stamp Rugs collection, which is hand-knotted in Nepal, from 100% New Zealand wool. Using the company's specialist design and presentation software, customers can view 'virtual rugs in situ' before they are made.

Samantha Towle, Executive Director GoodWeave UK says: "GoodWeave labelled rugs are now readily available to all consumers nationwide, whatever their style preference or price point, from bespoke commissions to mass market designs, and from on-line retailers to individual designer studios".

Through the support of GoodWeave's industry partners, more than 3,600 children have been rescued from exploitation on rug looms and received help in the form of education, rehabilitation, vocational training and financial support in their communities. Worldwide, 7.5 million rugs have been certified as child-labour-free since 1995, and in the UK there are now designers, high street retailers, DIY sheds, on-line stores and wholesalers committed to supplying GoodWeave labelled rugs.

For further information about the GoodWeave visit www.goodweave.org.uk or Tel: 07740 459279.

ENDS.

Press enquiries contact: Fay Handley at Dixon Handley Marketing
Tel: 01926 885511  M: 07790 659983  Email: fay@dixonhandleymarketing.co.uk